![Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast [Amalfi + Ravello]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a66444d017db2e6975e076e/1525194023883-5ELQNOQVR1KLOSAR04BT/IMG_4350+%282%29.JPG)
Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast [Amalfi + Ravello]
Our next destination was Ravello, three miles up the steep, winding road, high above the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is known for luxury hotels, spas and historic villas. It has a slower, more refined pace of life and has become a popular spot for romantic destination weddings. It’s common to see vacationing celebrities gracing the cafes and sunbeds.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is famous for being one of the most scenic places in the world. The roadways of the Amalfi Coast, though incredibly picturesque, can also be treacherous. The center line is more of a suggestion than a rule, even around the many hairpin corners. We were shocked that the Vespa drivers actually ride in the lane facing oncoming traffic. They come at you, on your side of the white line, and fast! The streets are very narrow and sometimes cars have to back up, strategically, to allow other cars to pass. It's tricky. Though Scott skillfully pilots our rental car in many places in Europe, we thought better of it on this leg of the trip. The Amalfi Coast is most safely seen by boat, by public transport or from a car with a driver. Our choice for several legs of this trip was our wonderful hired driver, Davide, of Dreaming Amalfi Coast.
Our first stop was to visit the roadside fruit stand owned by Davide's friend, Salvatore. Lemons are part of the culture of Amalfi Coast. One variety, the cedri, is large and bumpy. You can see them in the basket on the right. They look more like grapefruit. We picked up some local spice packages from the entertaining Salvatore. I ended up wearing a chili pepper crown by the time we left. I also want to point out that Davide, our "new Italian friend", is very well-dressed and I'm a big fan of his blue suede shoes. Those Italians certainly know how to dress.
As you can see, the roadways are very, very narrow in places.
As we continued along the Amalfi Coast, we passed this terraced hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, all dressed up in bougainvillea and vines. This is one of the iconic hotels of the area, originally designed to blend into the landscape. Magnifico!
The view back to Positano from the road to Amalfi.
The next stop on our day trip along the Amalfi coast was in the charming town of Amalfi and began with a tour of the Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo.
While I waited for Scott to finish his explorations, I enjoyed soaking in the Italian culture at a corner café. Two opera singers burst into song for an impromptu concert, delighting the crowd.
I grew enamored with this adorable little fella. He played a mean game of peek-a-boo with me from his café chair. What a looker!!
Our next destination was Ravello, three miles up the steep, winding road, high above the Amalfi Coast. Ravello is known for luxury hotels, spas and historic villas. It has a slower, more refined pace of life and has become a popular spot for romantic destination weddings. It's common to see vacationing celebrities gracing the cafes and sunbeds. Jennifer Aniston was in town for a film festival and stayed here just a few days after our visit to Ravello.
Scott and I toured the picturesque Villa Rufolo with magnificent gardens and views to die for.
If you get to Ravello, take a few moments in the town square for catching some views, people watching, a limoncello spritzer and a snack.
We did not have time to visit Villa Cimbrone on this trip, but
I've heard the gardens and views are spectacular.
Contact me at Curated Travel to make your dream vacation in Italy come true!
Ciao!
Heather
An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu Event in Venice Beach, California
As I was going through the mail following our summer travel, I discovered an invitation to an event for a brand of which I am a longtime fan. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the french skin care line, Caudalie by Mathilde Thomas, and fashion designer, Jason Wu. My first thought was, "I can't fly to Venice Beach, I just got home from 3 weeks in Europe". Then I realized that Scott was already planning to be in LA for a class reunion that very weekend and had already reserved a hotel. The timing could not have been more perfect! We decided to drive the 8+ hours to Los Angeles and it was so convenient to have a car for all the stops we planned to make. We downloaded the intriguing podcast 'Serial' which made the drive absolutely fly by.
An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu in Venice Beach
As I was going through the mail following our summer travel, I discovered an invitation to an event for a brand of which I am a longtime fan. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the french skin care line, Caudalie by Mathilde Thomas, and fashion designer, Jason Wu. My first thought was, "I can't fly to Venice Beach, I just got home from 3 weeks in Europe". Then I realized that Scott was already planning to be in LA for a class reunion that very weekend and had already reserved a hotel. The timing could not have been more perfect! We decided to drive the 8+ hours to Los Angeles and it was so convenient to have a car for all the stops we planned to make. We downloaded the intriguing podcast 'Serial' which made the drive absolutely fly by.
The next day I dropped Scott off at his luncheon and headed off to my old stomping grounds of LA, and the beach cities, on my own. Sometimes it's fun to have a few reflective hours to yourself in one of your favorite places. I drove by some favorite spots, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista and the intriguing Venice Canals.
This swan captured my imagination. What fun to cruise the canals on a swan, right??
I enjoyed a light lunch at Salt Air, a new discovery on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in Venice. It was just a block from the event at the Caudalie Boutique. I enjoyed a delicious beet salad and one perfectly chilled glass of rosé recommended to me. The wait staff at Salt Air was fantastic. I don't dine alone often at this time in life, but when I do, I appreciate a wait staff that is friendly and professional. I was also impressed with the fresh, tasty menu.
Next up... the event at Caudalie!
I was warmly greeted at Caudalie and given the VIP treatment. My mini-facial, performed by Regine, a french woman who now lives in New York City and travels to do personalized facials at high-end events for the brand. Regine introduced me to some new products and reminded me of some long time favorites. For the last several years I have started just about every morning with a spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I find it's the best way to wake up my skin as well as tone and tighten.
Regine reintroduced me to Premier Cru The Eye Cream which did a number on my road trip weary dark circles and puffiness. I loved it! The Premier Cru Elixir is another brand favorite and now part of my morning and night-time routines. It firms, nourishes, brightens and adds radiance using patent technology and natural ingredients. This product blends an oil and a serum creating a double-duty product which makes it more likely I will use it.
Caudalie french skincare was founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, college sweethearts, who discovered the antioxidant properties of the grape-vine while working at a vineyard. Their vinotherapy skin care line uses patented technologies, in luxurious, yet natural formulations to promote anti-aging and skin health.
“I believe in a greener planet and more committed cosmetics. I formulate my products for all women who, like me, don’t want to choose between effectiveness and naturalness, between glamor and ecology.”
”
Read more on the story and the ethics behind Caudalie.
For more on this cool collaboration of beauty and fashion with Jason Wu:
I purchased the Ultimate Anti-Aging Set in the travel size which I highly recommend if you are trying a new line of skin care products. I'm now using the Beauty Elixir, Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, Premier Cru Eye Cream and the Premier Cru Elixir on a daily basis. I received a beauty elixir with my name beautifully engraved on it at the event. Such a stylish memento of my afternoon at Caudalie.
I've been using my new products for about 2 weeks and have been extremely pleased with the way my skin feels. This is a quick snap taken yesterday with my beautiful best friend since fourth grade, Deb. I feel like my skin tone and radiance has improved since I started using the extensive line of Caudalie skin care. I'm a big fan!
We also made time to see this beauty, my step-daughter Lauren, while visiting in LA. We had so much fun exploring some of her favorite spots.
If you are heading to Los Angeles I have some recommendations on where to stay on my travel recommendations page.
Have you tried Caudalie french skin care?
Would you ride a swan in the Venice Beach Canals (would a glass of rose' help make your decision easier? ;)
I received an invitation to attend the Caudalie Skin Care +Jason Wu launch event in Venice Beach. I was given a mini-facial, light lunch and personalized, engraved bottle of the beauty elixir. Other purchases were my own.
Color Story: Navy Blue
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I’m talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
After donating my leather pumps, a chic little handbag and a stylish suit in this color, several years ago, this shade suddenly seems fresh again. I'm talking about the color navy blue. The one dress I bought on my recent trip to Paris was, you guessed it, a chic shade of navy blue. It felt so right for Paris and for fall in California.
While traveling in Riviera Maya a year ago, I noticed that the accent woodwork and ceiling beams in our suite were painted a rich navy blue. It had the same bold impact as black, but the blue tones brought a lighter feel yet added some richness to the space. I thought it was a brilliant choice for the woodwork at this beachfront resort, Zoetry Paraiso del la Bonita. I was thrilled to meet the architect, a part-time resident at the resort, during our visit. I recently encouraged a design client to consider navy blue for her woodwork in need of some design inspiration.
These are a few of my collected images of navy blue on Pinterest and I find I'm liking the shade equally well for fashion and for decor.
I wondered if Pantone agreed with me about the suspected resurgence of navy blue. I discovered there is a shade of deep blue, Snorkel Blue, projected to be an "It" color for 2016. It pairs well with a number of shades as seen here. I'm especially liking navy blue with shades of copper and gold this season. Navy and white are purely a classic color combination.
Find more color inspiration on my Pinterest board Color Story: Navy Blue
Are you a fan of navy blue?
What shades of color are capturing your attention this season?
Date Night: Dinner High on the Mountainside in Positano
Our new Italian friend and driver, Davide, recommended a family run trattoria for dinner “high on the mountainside” above Positano. He knew we would love it. We agreed and Davide made all the arrangements. A van filled with several other hungry diners picked us up in front of our hotel and traversed the terraced roadway up, up, up near the top of the mountain.
Our new Italian friend and driver, Davide, recommended a family run trattoria for dinner "high on the mountainside" above Positano. He knew we would love it. We agreed and Davide made all the arrangements. A van filled with several other hungry diners picked us up in front of our hotel and traversed the terraced roadway up, up, up near the top of the mountain.
La Tagliata is a family run establishment started by Don Luigi a charming, generous, hospitable man who was passionate about the land, growing his own produce and creating local dishes. He loved to entertain and feed family and friends around his table. Over time he developed a reputation for fine dishes and Trattoria La Tagliata was born.
According to the website early homemade specialties included:
"Tureens of pasta with beans and pork (cotiche), spaghetti with garlic and crushed chilli peppers, broccoli and homemade sausage, tripe and small delicacies".
We ambled along the stone walkways and we were warmly greeted by the family/staff who make you feel like you have arrived at home.
Ciao!!
The views from La Tagliata are stunning. It's a bit misty, but that is a view of the sea and a boat in the distance.
The menu is prix fixe, and we did not ask the price. After the meal, we feared we might be into it for $200, but it turned out to be an incredible value at 40 euros per person! House wines are of the "bottomless" glass variety and are included in the meal price.
Starting with the cheeses, bread, and antipasto platters; the courses just kept on coming with smooth and friendly precision by the staff.
Scott's notes from the evening include prosciutto, mozzarella, goat cheeses, antipasto, eggplant parmigiano, zucchini flower, charred spinach, broccoli, brown beans and garbanzo beans dishes. The pasta was Mama's secret large ravioli with basil. The meat plate included ribs, shish kabob, veal, chicken, sausages, lamb, rabbit, mixed salad and fried potatoes.
The homemade pasta dishes were simply amazing... Oh pasta, how I had missed you. I'm still not over my summer in Italy infatuation with you. #carbs
Scott is shaking his head at the amount of food being presented to us.
As you can imagine, by the time the dessert/fruit course (mixed fruits and 3 kinds of pastries)! and limoncello arrived, we were beyond stuffed.
Mama makes her entrance at La Tagliata
When Mama made her entrance, 7 courses in, she was met by a cheering crowd. She had been up cooking since 5 am, as usual. You may feel a bit tipsy from the amount of food and bottomless glasses of wine, but a driver awaits to carry you safely back down, down, down the mountainside to your sweet slumber.
If you find yourself in Positano I highly recommend La Tagliata as a must do dining experience. Tell them Davide and Heather sent you! ;)
Ciao!
Getaway to Positano on the Spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy
Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It’s a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views. Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.
Getaway to Positano
Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It's a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views.
Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has been on my travel bucket list for many years. Despite several visits to Italy, Scott and I had never made it this far south until July. It was definitely worth the wait! The rumored magic of the Amalfi Coast is all true.
Following a 3 1/2 hour drive, three flights and 30+ hours of travel, we arrived in Naples. Thankfully, our driver, Davide of Dreaming Amalfi Coast, was there to greet us. He ushered us into his luxury vehicle and entertained us with stories of Amalfi Coast and Italian life. Charming Davide stopped for us to take in some views of Sorrento and the entire Amalfi Coast, and offered us some limoncello ice from a roadside stand.
With travel fatigue and jet lag setting in, having comfortable lodging pre-booked is always important to us. As it turns out, the Alcione Residence was the perfect choice for our four-night stay. The intimate boutique hotel of 11 suites is charming and well-appointed with panoramic views of Positano from each balcony. The staff, Katia and Valentina, were incredibly kind and helpful. The location is right on Via Cristoforo Columbo and just two doors away from the famed Le Sirenuse Hotel. Boutiques and cafes are sprinkled along the street, and the bougainvillea covered path to the shopping streets and beach is nearby.
Our suite was beautifully appointed with authentic Italian furnishings, luxurious linens, and brightly colored hand-painted tiles. From wrought iron details to gilded mirrors, we were very pleased with our spotless and cheery suite.
The view from our terrace was captivating.
We stumbled across the street from the hotel on that first weary night. We didn't have to walk up or down the steep slope but simply across the street. We enjoyed the dishes and view so well at Ristorante L'Ancora that we ate here twice and enjoyed a nightcap on another evening.
At Residence Alcione a breakfast tray, with continental breakfast and more items of our choice, was delivered to our room each day for dining on the terrace.
Be prepared to walk and climb stairs in Positano. Comfortable shoes are a must! The streets are steep and winding.
There are many options of things to do in Positano--take in the views, enjoy a delicious meal at a café, shop the boutiques, tour Chiesa di Santa Maria, or catch a ferry or private boat to a number of destinations. If you are in the mood for water sports, they have it all at the beach. If you simply want to chill, you can take a break at a beachfront café. Steps away you can catch some sun or a swim at Spiaggia Grande beach or the smaller Spiaggia del Fornillo beach around the bend.
This is the view of the ornate dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria from the terrace of the famed hotel Le Sirenuse. This spot was a couple of doors down from our hotel and a luxurious spot to grab lunch or a glass of rose'.
Boutiques are plentiful, especially close to the beach, where cruise ships unload passengers anxious to collect souvenirs of Positano. The jewel encrusted sandals are very popular and one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home.
Scott and I beat the heat, and the crowds, by walking up Via Cristoforo Colombo one afternoon. We found a petite sidewalk cafe' to enjoy another fresh caprese salad.
I happened upon the enticing Profumi di Positano. After sampling a number of fragrances, I eventually selected Aova Avrea, a fragrance with the most significant lemon/limone notes, according to the charming owner who helped me. The Barba family started making their quality olive-oil based soaps in 1922 and launched their perfumes in 1965. The brand is now led by the fourth generation of the Barba family. I always enjoy taking home a fragrance, candle or soap when I travel. Smelling it later takes me back to that place in time.
The view from Marincanto. This is one of my favorite images, and hotel views, from our time in Positano.
Surely either terrace would work nicely for some sun and lounging. Don't you think?
If you've watched the first season of Giada in Italy, on the Food Network, you may recognize this area. The cooking show, featuring chef Giada De Laurentiis, was filmed just a short walk up from our hotel at Torre Sponda. Once we booked our trip to Positano, I rewatched several episodes of Giada's cooking show, just drooling over the scenery and the recipes, dreaming of our upcoming visit.
For more on Positano:
A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse
Date Night: Dinner High Above Positano
Boating to the Dreamy Isle of Capri
Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast [Amalfi and Ravello]
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer
Here's to living la dolce vita!
Ciao! Heather
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner ‘digestivo’. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve ever made.
Limoncello Spritzer
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner 'digestivo'. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I've ever made.
Lemons, steeped in history, are a staple of life in Amalfi Coast and are used to brighten the flavors of many flavor-filled dishes and luscious cocktails. You will see quaint storefronts selling all things lemon-flavored from soaps, fragrances, skin care, candles, remedies to sweets, liqueurs and just about anything you can dream up for a lemon.
This is my simple recipe for the limoncello spritzer, as shared by a handsome waiter, in Positano.
Limoncello Spritzer Recipe
Limoncello
Seltzer Water
Lemon Slices
Ice
Frosted Glasses
Place equal parts limoncello and seltzer water in a shaker (or pitcher). Add ice and shake/stir to blend the flavors. Pour into a frosted glass and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy this taste of Positano in a glass!
*Seltzer may be replaced with prosecco for an extra bit of sweetness and fizz.
Read this to learn more about the amazing lemons of the Amalfi Coast. Long live the lemon!!
For more on our travels to Italy.
Salute!
In the Mood: Dine Al Fresco at Home
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
Al Fresco Dining
The jet lag has eased up, yet my mind is still a kaleidoscope of images from our summer vacation in Italy and Paris. As I'm sorting through 1,000+ photographs I've decided I'm not going to rush to get a post out immediately. Instead, I need some time to savor and remember the details of each place we stayed. I definitely came away with renewed appreciation for living la dolce vita, and the little luxuries of life, like dining al fresco. This simple alteration of daily planning costs nothing, except perhaps a bit of creativity.
Do you enjoy dining al fresco as I do?
Though I've enjoyed elaborate al fresco dining in the past, like this date night at home for Valentine's Day, a simple tapas menu is my favorite. It's easy to put together a platter of olives, nuts, crackers, cheeses, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc or rose', some pretty linen napkins and you have a perfect al fresco snack.
If you don't have an outdoor dining space at home, pack up your favorite nibbles, and a blanket, for an outdoor picnic. While Scott and I were in Siena we stayed in an historic apartment in the city center with no outdoor dining space. We put together a picnic and dined on the stairs of the cathedral with a number of Italian families, tourists, and pigeons, creating a memorable al fresco dining experience in Italy.
With that in mind, I discovered more beautiful inspiration for al fresco dining, from simple to astonishing, on my Pinterest board.
These images run the gambit from simple to swoon-worthy. Read more on the 100 best places to dine al fresco in America according to Open Table.
Do you have any tips for dining al fresco?
The Fascinating Thing About Travel
The fascinating thing about long distance travel is how you can pack a bag, cue up in line, enter a veritable cylinder for a ride in the sky and hours later the door opens to an entirely different world. The language, the architecture, the smells, even the pace of life around you. It is a bit surreal, especially after a long flight -- or two or three -- and being awake 30+ hours, but I always love that moment. It feels like re-entry to the world or time travel, and I'm hooked on the experience. Long distance travel is grueling, but the reward is definitely worth it.
The fascinating thing about long distance travel is how you can pack a bag, cue up in line, enter a veritable cylinder for a ride in the sky and hours later the door opens to an entirely different world. The language, the architecture, the smells, even the pace of life around you. It is a bit surreal, especially after a long flight -- or two or three -- and being awake 30+ hours, but I always love that moment. It feels like re-entry to the world or time travel, and I'm hooked on the experience. Long distance travel is grueling, but the reward is definitely worth it.
On our last night in Paris Scott and I took a boat ride on the Seine, just as we did on our visit together back in 2003. Paris was crystal clear and the views of the city were amazing from the vantage point of the river. After sundown, we ended up at a picturesque café in Saint Germaine for a caprese salad and a carafe of rosé. We enjoyed lively conversation with new friends from Argentina, Switzerland, and the US under the moonlight, and didn't even think about the time until midnight. Time escaped us again! Thankfully we had already packed for our trip home the next day since we had to be up at 3:00 am to catch the shuttle to Charles de Galle and enter that cylinder in the sky.
We made the trip home safely, following 29 hours of travel, and are digging out from mountains of laundry, piles of mail and all the usual. It feels good to be home and sleeping in our own bed again. That's the fascinating thing about travel... it all feels a bit surreal. I'm still dreaming of the beautiful places we visited on this trip, and I'm looking forward to sharing more on Italy and Paris. Despite all the beauty, and a desire to return as soon as possible, we are again reminded that there is no place like home.
What have you been up to this summer?